Explore El Monteón & Punta Raza, Nayarit, Mexico

The small Mexican village of El Monteón is a farming and brick-making town with friendly people, a few rustic restaurants and two spectacular and uninhabited beaches, including Playa Punta Raza which is slated to become a new resort community with golf course, marina, upscale hotels, gated residential community and walking/biking paths.

Beaches & Attractions

Playa Canalán

The only access to Playa Canalán is via a scenic, long and winding dirt road through town and past countless fertile agricultural fields. At the very end, you will discover this lovely quiet beach and neighboring estuary. The beach is perfect for swimming or an afternoon stroll.

Photos of Playa Canalán and Playa Punta Raza by Jasmine Honenstein.

Playa Punta Raza

Playa Punta Raza is best explored with a 4-wheel drive vehicle as you will need to traverse bumpy dirt roads, drive through the river (literally), and wind through the mountains and jungle to get there. The beach has a strong surf and undertow, so water sports are not recommended. This beautiful 2-mile stretch of pristine beach is currently uninhabited, however there is a major government planned resort in the works for this area. In the meantime, go for a stroll and bring your camera.

If you like to hike, there are two semi-organized hikes that go from Los Ayala to Punta Raza and back (search the Explore Nayarit blog for information).

Time Zones

It is worth noting that when you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, you will be on Central Time. Once you head north, you will leave the state of Jalisco and enter the state of Nayarit. The time zone no longer changes at the state lines as it once did. The new time zone includes the towns of Mezcales, Bucerias, Sayulita, San Pancho and Lo de Marcos. So, once you pass Lo de Marcos (and head towards Los Ayala, Guayabitos and La Peñita), be sure to turn your watches back one hour as you will now be on Mountain Time.

Upon your return to the airport in Puerto Vallarta, remember that you will lose an hour as the time zone changes back to Central Time. Be sure to set your watches accordingly so you don’t miss your flight.

Location & Map

El Monteón is in the municipality of Compostela in the state of Nayarit on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The nearest major cities are Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, both of which are located in the state of Jalisco.

Driving Distances from El Monteón:

Rincón de Guayabitos – 6 km / 4 miles (5-10 minutes)

Puerto Vallarta Airport – 59 km / 36 miles (1-1½ hours)

Guadalajara – 267 km / 166 miles (3½-4 hours)

If you live in El Monteón and have additional information about the town, beaches or attractions, please contact us.